Several individuals were injured after tension broke out during clearing operations at the Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Vendors and members of the demolition team of the city’s Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) figured in a confrontation, which escalated into a physical clash.

Several individuals were injured from both the demolition team and the vendors during the incident.

One of the vendors affected sustained injuries in the lip and bruises around the eye.

She claimed that members of the demolition team rushed toward them suddenly and started pulling their goods away.

“Ambak sila diri diretso sa amoa. Pag-ambak nila, bira nila deretso among tinda. Syempre, among mga anak, bira pud nila among tinda. Diri man ako ato dapita, nilakaw ko paana. Gibira nako, ana ko, ayaw mo pag-ing-ana, Sir… dapat patas ang laban kung mangarga mo. Didto gani sa pikas, inyo lang gilabyan unya diri mo muderetso sa amoa,” a vendor, alias “Yen,” said.

She added that her husband and daughter had to be brought to the hospital after sustaining injuries during the incident.

Both parties proceeded to the police station following the confrontation.

One of the ASU team leaders is set to appear before the City Legal Office to provide as sworn statement regarding the incident.

Another team leader also sustained a head injury during the tension.

“Naa na sa kalsada ang mga tao makaagi tungod kay ang ilahang ginalaray dira nga mga prutas, lampas na sa yellow box. Bisan paman og mao nay nahitabo, dili mi muundang og trabaho,” ASU Head, Paul Bermejo, said.

ASU clarified that vendors were oriented previously about the proper boundaries of their stalls.

“Naay pictures gikan sa CTTMO ug naa pud mi mga pictures nga sila nilampas na sa gi-designate sa ilaha nga lugar unya bisan pa og magbayad sila og arkabala, wala silay katungod gihapon sa pag-okupar sa kalsada,” Bermejo added.

Despite the incident, ASU said clearing operations will continue not only at the Bankerohan Public Market but also in other public markets across the city.

ASU emphasized that their goal is simply to ensure vendors are given proper spaces while maintaining enough road access for smoother traffic flow and a more orderly market environment.